By OBAKENG MAJE

The much-anticipated Taung Cultural Calabash will be held on 15 October 2022. The Mmabana Foundation said this is in order to protect the integrity of the programme and ensure successful implementation.

The annual event was established in 1994 as a celebration of cultures and coincided with the democratic elections in the country. The Taung Cultural Calabash started as a one-day event and soon found a sponsor in the Transnet Foundation that enabled it to grow and bear fruit.

Soon the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) through the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture came on board as a funder and enabled the event to prosper and grow.

However, the four-day event was marred with maladministration, corruption and mismanagement of funds over the years. This prompted the Transnet Foundation to stop funding it.

Now, the North West Department of Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport has budgeted R4 million to revitalise the event.

The Mmabana Foundation spokesperson, Kelebogile Modiselle said: “We chose that date to avoid incurring any potential fruitless and wasteful expenditure and to afford the Service Provider sufficient time for preparations.

“Taung Cultural Calabash Provincial Competitions, which are a developmental platform for artists will be hosted on the 23 September 2022 to select overall provincial winners, who rewarded in accordance with the set thresholds.”

Modiselle said Mmabana Foundation aims at nurturing, developing and promoting artistic talent in the province. She further said they also aim to create platforms for artists to demonstrate their exceptional capabilities.

“Taung Cultural Calabash is a flagship programme implemented by Mmabana, Arts, Culture and Sports Foundation and is historically implemented in the heritage month of September given its nature.

“We have already advertised a bid (tender) for the management of the programme and internal processes have been finalised. So, the appointment of the service provider is being concluded after thorough bid evaluation, adjudication and quality review process,” she said.

Modiselle added that, in order to realise their legislated mandate of artistic talent development, the district auditions for the 2022 Taung Cultural Calabash were successfully held across the province with a total of 965 participants.

According to Modiselle, a total of 210 visuals and performing artists who took position one in their various categories at their district auditions, qualified to proceed to the Taung Cultural Calabash Provincial Competitions (developmental programme), which will be held at Mmabana Taung on 23 September 2022.

“We have 57 in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, 56 from Dr Kenneth Kaunda, 49 in Bojanala and 48 in Ngaka Modiri Molema 48. The management of the entity would like to thank all stakeholders in advance, and will ensure that the 2022 Taung Cultural Calabash lives up to the expectations,” she said.

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Ka KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

Baagi ba rotlwediwa go ikela tlhoko le go itlhokomela kgatlhanong le ba ba dinalanyana, mme ba tsweletsa bogodu ka mokgwa wa tsietso. Seno se tla morago ga gore banna ba le babedi ba ba magareng ga dingwaga dile 22 le 49 batshwarwe kwa Kuruman ka Mosupulogo.

Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi la lephata la dipatlisiso jwa bogodu jo bo rulagantsweng, The Hawks kwa Kapa Bokone, mokaptein Tebogo Thebe are go begwa fa banna bano, ba tsieditse monna mongwe matsebe-tsebe a diranta di ka nna R350 000.

“Go begwa fa balatofadiwa ba, bane ba supetsa monna o matsebetsebe a diranta a eseng a nnete le go mo kaela fa madi gagwe a tla ntsifala fa a ka tlisa kwa go bone. Go ya ka dipatlisiso, balatofadiwa ba ne ba dira ga mmogo le ngaka nngwe ya setso.

“Go begwa fa ene ya re yo go bona matsebetsebe a diranta, monna yo one a itokolola kwa tirong le go rekisa sejanaga sa gagwe, mme a neela balatofadiwa madi ao. Go ya ka dibego, monna yo, one a ya go kopa thuso kwa sepodising morago ga go lemoga fa a tsieditswe,” Thebe wa tlhalosa.

Go ya ka Thebe, balatofadiwa ba ne ba tshwarwa mo metseletseleng ya dipatlisiso tse di neng di boloditswe ke sepodisi. Thebe are, sepodisi sene sa gapa ditlankana tse di dirisitsweng go ka dira madi a eseng a nnete ga mmogo le megala ya letheka ya banna bano.

“Go begwa fa ngaka ya setso yone e ile ya lebotsa phokoje, fela sepodisi se kaya fa sele mo motlhaleng wa gagwe. Balotofadiwa ba solofetswe go tlhagelela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Kuruman ka Laboraro,” Thebe wa tlhalosa.

Kgabagare, tlhogo ya lephata la sepodisi la The Hawks kwa Kapa Bokone, Major General Kholekile Galawe o kopile baagi go ikela tlhoko gonne matsatsi a khunulogo a setse a atamela, mme seo se dira gore ditsietso di ntsifale.  

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

More than 400 suspects were nabbed during suspect raiding operations executed on 15 and 16 September 2022. North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said 277 suspects were arrested for assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and assault common.

Myburgh said other arrests include 26 for common robbery, 9 for rape, 32 for contravention of protection orders, 31 for burglary residential, 10 for business burglary, 10 for possession of suspected stolen goods, 7 for murder, and 8 for stock theft, while others were apprehended for many other offenses.

“The suspects were arrested at all four districts in the province and they appeared at various courts on 16 and 19 September 2022,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena said: “We would like to laud detectives and point out that the arrests will certainly send a clear message that those who perpetrate crime, will be traced and brought to book.”

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By REGINALD KANYANE

Various stakeholders believe that commercialisation of cannabis will be a burgeoning opportunity for economic growth. The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development held a much-anticipated two-day hybrid Cannabis Lekgotla at North West University in Mahikeng.

The North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Desbo Mohono said the aim of the Cannabis Lekgotla was to ensure that the Cannabis Master Plan finds space in agriculture transformation in the province.

She said the event was widely welcomed and appreciated by various cannabis advocacy groups, which amongst them included the Cannabis Council of South Africa, the Rastafarians formations, traditional leaders, academics, interest groups, and individuals as well as farmers.

“This event was the first of its kind in the province and our objective was to discuss the way forward on the rollout of the National Cannabis Master Plan and engage on the economic purpose of commercialisation and development of the herb.

“The department provides a stark reminder that every avenue to create employment and fight poverty must be pursued. This will also allow businesses to grow, emerge and thrive while using the capabilities of the state to create a conducive environment for farmers,” she said.

Mohono further said, this is a dream come true for people of the North West because they too, deserve to benefit from the value chain of this herb. She added that, as government, they always appreciate the direct, considered, and constructive approach that higher institutions of learning take in responding to the challenges facing the country.

“That is why we saw it fit as government to rope in the North West University (NWU) in particular, looking at their research output, which is amongst the best in the entire country.

“This Lekgotla unlocked many opportunities through commissions and the education drive. Going forward, we will march to our traditional leaders as the department in forging a partnership and making sure that our people in communal land are not left behind by the train of this economic hub,” said Mohono.

Meanwhile, the North West University Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Dr Mzubanzi Bismark Tyobeka said: “We must all work with the government to assist in the review of policy and regulatory framework that will fast-track the industrialisation of hemp and cannabis towards the realisation of economic investment and job creation.

“So, the NWU is ready to contribute towards the implementation of the National Cannabis Master Plan to unlock the economic potential of rural communities.”

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The North West police confirmed that investigations are underway after two houses belonging to the embattled Kagisano Molopo Local Municipality speaker, Pretty Moirwagale and ANC Interim Regional Committee (IRC) coordinator in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region, Walter Mabogola were torched in the early hours of Monday.

According to the North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Sgt Tryphosa van Rooyen, the police were informed of arson that took place at house number B84 at Tlakgameng village on 19 September 2022.

“According to the information at hand, the owner received a call that informed him that, his house was burning. Upon arrival at his house, the owner, Mr Pretty Moirwagale, who is the speaker at the Kagisano Molopo Local Municipality found that one bedroom had burned.

“Pro-active members of the community assisted and managed to put the fire out. A case of arson was opened and is under investigation by the Ganyesa Police Station,” van Rooyen said.

In a possibly related incident, she said it was discovered in the morning on 19 September 2022 that, the house of the ANC IRC coordinator in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region, Walter Mabogola had also been burned.

“According to information at hand, Mr Mabogola heard of what had happened and rushed back to Tlakgameng just to find that his house had also been burned.

“A case of arson was also opened and is being investigated. No damage assessment has been conducted yet and the estimated damages to both houses will be determined during the investigation,” said van Rooyen.

Today, the North West Premier, Bushy Maape is set to meet with ANC Provincial Elective Conference (PEC) leaders to inform them about his decision to invoke Section 139 (1) (b) at the embattled Kagisano Molopo Local Municipality.

On 7 September 2022, Maape put the municipality under administration for six months. This comes after turmoil, where the municipality’s offices were closed by aggrieved community members for the longest period and called for the removal of municipal manager, Olaotswe Bojosinyana.

The letter sent to the municipality states that, the invocation follows a report of systematic failures by the council to carry out its executive and other legislative mandates as articulated in Sections 152 (1), 152 (2) and 153 of the constitution of the Republic of South Africa, including the supporting legislative mandates.

“Since the inauguration of new councils in the province after the November 2021 elections, the council of Kagisano Molopo has never stabilised and not concentrated on developing plans to provide service delivery to the constituents of the municipality.

“Councillors fought amongst themselves as they contested for political power, which now has resulted in parallel council structures being formed each with a mayor and speaker,” the letter said.

Another arising matter was allegations against councillors taking their contestation to the court of law and trying to legitimise their differences by obtaining court interdicts.

The beleaguered municipal manager, Olaotswe Bojosinyana also came under fire as other councillors alleged that, he was the driver of sowing disunity within the council.

“Instead of advising council and trying to mend disagreement of the council in order to benefit service delivery, seems he has influenced the divisions in council.

“The municipal manager has even hired bouncers to control access to municipal premises. The speaker, mayor and other councillors opposed to him are denied access to the municipal offices.” 

It is alleged that, the role of Bojosinyana over the council is clearly compromised. On another hand, the speaker has taken his case of being ousted to court and on 24 June 2022, the case was heard in the North West High Court in Mafikeng.

“Service delivery is severely affected in the municipality and the community has complained that the bouncers be removed. Persistent infightings with the council as there are some allegations of councillors being threatened to attend illegal council meetings.

“The council has embarked on an unlawful process of tabling the draft budget as the presiding officer was found by the courts to be unlawfully appointed by the municipality,” the letter said.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

South Africa continues to find itself in a catastrophic situation as the electrical grid buckles under pressure and Eskom fails dismally to keep the lights on.

Now, President, Cyril Ramaphosa has cut his international trip short and landed at Waterkloof Base this morning to address the quagmire. Ramaphosa said in his new letter that, solving the electricity challenge is vital for investment drive.

“A few days ago, I met with United State of America (USA) president, Joe Biden in Washington to discuss several issues of concern to both our countries, including peace and security, climate change, and food security.

“Most importantly, we discussed ways to deepen trade and investment between our two countries. Behind China and the European Union, the United States is South Africa’s third largest trading partner and is the second largest destination of our country’s exports,” he said.

Ramaphosa said there are around 600 US companies in South Africa and over the years, an increasing number of South African companies in sectors as diverse as mining, energy, chemicals, banking, health and wellness, and luxury goods have expanded their footprint into the US.

“We agreed with Biden that, we must do more to increase business between our two countries and have set up a joint task force on trade and investment to provide focus and direction to our efforts.

“While in Washington, we also spoke to several US business leaders who expressed a keen interest in investing in South Africa. The visits we undertake to various countries, be they working visits, state visits, or trade missions, are crucial for promoting investment and trade, bringing in investment and they create jobs,” said Ramaphosa.

He further said, they also improve their relations with the countries they visit thus creating great opportunities for South Africa. Ramaphosa added that, building strong partnerships with other countries is important, but it is not enough.

“That is why we are working to make our economy more competitive, more efficient, and more attractive to both international and local companies. First and foremost, we have to overcome the electricity crisis.

“Since late last week, Eskom has been forced to implement load shedding due to breakdowns at a number of power stations. The situation has been made worse by the depletion of emergency generation reserves such as pumped storage and diesel turbines and the need for these to be replenished,” he said.

Ramaphosa said the severe load-shedding of the last few days has reminded them of how unstable the aging power stations are. He said it has given greater urgency to the measures they announced two months ago to stabilise the electricity supply.

“On Sunday, I held an urgent virtual meeting with Ministers and officials on the reasons for the current load shedding and the steps being taken to reduce the severity and frequency of load shedding in the coming days and weeks.

“Eskom has already announced some of the measures it is taking and we will remain seized with this issue until the situation is resolved. Solving the electricity crisis is necessary if we are to realise the potential of our economy,” said Ramaphosa.

In 2018, the country launched an ambitious investment drive to raise R1.2 trillion in new investments over five years. To date, it has raised more than 90% of that amount in commitments from both domestic and foreign investors.

Ramaphosa said of these commitments around R330 billion, have already flowed into the economy, opening new factories, expanding product lines, and creating new jobs.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A bodyguard belonging to the ANC deputy chairperson in North West, Lazzy Mokgosi suffered injuries after a shoot-outs incident at a guesthouse in Vryburg. It is alleged that two bodyguards assigned to protect Mokgosi were returning to a guesthouse, where they were booked in after completing their daily duties.

According to the North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Sgt Tryphosa van Rooyen, the incident took place in the early hours of the morning on 9 September 2022.

“Upon the arrival of the bodyguards at the guesthouse, they found two suspicious-looking men standing next to a parked Mercedes Benz. As the two bodyguards alighted their vehicle to find out what the two men were doing at the vehicle, shots were fired toward them.

“Mr Mpho, who was the passenger managed to escape and went to report the incident, whilst Mr Evans who was the driver was injured during the shoot-out. He sustained injuries on his leg and hand,” van Rooyen said.

She further said the suspects managed to flee from the scene before the police could arrive. Van Rooyen added that, the injured bodyguard was ferried to a local hospital in Vryburg for medical attention.

“A case of attempted murder was opened and upon initial investigation, it was confirmed that the owner of the guesthouse suffered a theft, whereby his two vehicle keys were stolen.

“It is suspected that, the suspects tried to steal the vehicle when the bodyguards disrupted them. So, the shooting incident does not have any relation to the ANC provincial deputy chairperson and was not at all aimed at him,” said van Rooyen.

She said an investigation into the matter continues.

Meanwhile, the ANC spokesperson in North West, Tumelo Maruping said: “Indeed, we can confirm that the security personnel who is working with Mr Mokgosi was involved in an unfortunate shooting with some unknown gunmen.

“However, at this stage, there is no evidence that suggests the shooting has anything to do with Mr Mokgosi because he was not there at the time of the incident.”

Maruping said the incident happened at the place of residence, where Mr Mokgosi’s protectors were booked to sleep. He said the incident could have been a robbery gone wrong, which the protectors could have intercepted during their arrival.

“In our view, Mr Mokgosi’s life is not under threat. The acceptance of the newly-elected ANC leadership is overwhelming across the province, therefore at this stage, there are no indications for a panic,” he concluded.

Mokgosi failed to respond to our WhatsApp messages and telephonic calls.   

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The ANC Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) in Northern Cape has endorsed Cyril Ramaphosa for a second term. The ANC spokesperson in the province, Thabo Mothibi said the resolution was taken during a special PEC meeting on Friday.

According to Mothibi, the aim of the meeting was to reflect on the preparation for the forthcoming 55^th ANC National Elective Conference scheduled to take place in December 2022.

“Consequently, the PEC had to reflect on the ongoing discussion in the ANC and the country about the possible leadership line-up. So, the PEC resolved that, it will not endorse any particular slate but will release a basket of names to the ANC branches to choose from.

“The branches of the ANC must have an open and rigorous discussion during their Branch General Meetings (BGMs) on the suitability of the names. Such discussions will be guided by the urgent strategic task to renew and reposition the ANC,” he said.

Mothibi said, they have nominated a few individuals like Paul Mashatile, Oscar Mabuyane, Ronald Lamola, David “DD” Mabuza, Senzo Mchunu, and Mmamoloko Kubayi for a hotly contested deputy president position.

He further said, in the position of the Secretary-General, the PEC has recommended Gwen Ramokgopa, Fikile Mbalula, and Febe Potgieter-Gqubule to ANC branches for consideration.

“The PEC has also recommended Fefebe Potgieter-Gqubule, Vuyiswa Tolelo and Maropene Ramokgopa for Deputy Secretary-General position to the branches, Ronald Lamola and Stan Mathabatha are considered for Treasurer-General position.

“The PEC recommended Gwede Mantashe for the ANC chairperson position. However, branches are free to nominate any other names. During our 8^th ANC provincial conference, we unanimously resolved to support the current president, Cyril Ramaphosa for a second term,” said Mothibi.

He said they have endorsed Ramaphosa for a second term due to the commitment he made. Mothibi said Ramaphosa is able to renew and reposition the ANC as an agent for change.

“The ANC in Northern Cape wishes its members from the province’s 232 branches well in the convening of BGMs and BBGMs as we move towards the ANC’s 55^th National Conference.

“The PEC members will be deployed to BGMs/BBGMs in all sub-regions, whilst Regional Executive Committee (RECs) must provide the necessary support to branches for the successful convening of the nomination during the branches’ annual meetings,” said Mothibi.

He said the BECs have the responsibility to convene and preside over their own BGMs/BBGMs. Mothibi said they trust that, their members will uphold the robust democratic traditions that have made the ANC unmatched in its task as a leader of society and a defender of the people’s aspirations.

He said, therefore, they shall gather in their multitudes emboldened by the ruling party’s historical mission of creating a united, non-racial, non-sexist, and democratic society.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The ANCWL in North West has endorsed Cyril Ramaphosa for the second term as ANC president. The ANCWL Provincial Task Team (PTT) convenor, Bitsa Lenkopane said, they have resolved on this matter during a leadership capacity programme for the PTT and four Regional Task Teams (RTTs) in Mahikeng on Saturday.

The ANCWL PTT program was addressed by the ANCWL National Task Team (NTT) co-ordinator, Maropene Ramokgopa and the ANC’s OR Tambo School of Leadership principal, David Masondo.

“We have discussed broadly as the structure, especially within the principle of collectiveness. As the ANCWL, we are still going to push for a policy posture and we want over 50% representation of women in all upcoming conferences including regional structures.

“Over 50% representation of women, that we are referring to, includes officials. We are very clear on that, as we are going to the ANC 55^th National Conference,” Lenkopane said.

She further said, they believe in collectiveness and the ANC vanguard for capacity building, good governance, and fighting corruption. Defiant Lenkopane did not want to dwell too much on the Phalaphala saga.

“We are unable to classify the Phalaphala saga. However, we understand that, this matter is before the law enforcement agencies. So, in an event where Ramaphosa is being charged, and all wrongdoings are being found against him, I think he will do the right thing and also ANC internal processes will kick in including the step-aside policy.

“However, at the moment, we are unable to comment because this is a personal arrangement. The president has not committed any fraud and corruption, so we cannot call it a dark cloud hanging over him until it is well-classified as a crime,” said Lenkopane.

She said, those who say the Phalaphala saga is a ‘dark cloud’ over Ramaphosa are anti-revolutionary and against the ANC. Lenkopane said they see Ramaphosa as a fit candidate for the purpose of bringing stability.

“If you look at ANC previous presidents, they have all served their second term in the office. So, that is where we draw our agenda as the ANCWL. We have also earmarked the co-ordinator of the ANCWL NTT Maropeng Ramokgopa to ascend to the ANC Deputy Secretary-General (DSG) position, but is not yet final,” she said.

Lenkopane said, they do not have anything against Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma as they have rallied behind her on previous occasions, however, as the ANCWL, they are not going to talk about individuals, who pronounce themselves outside collectiveness.  

“We are not going to talk about those leaders, who do not have a proven track record in compliance in terms of ANC requirements. However, we are going to stick to women leaders of integrity and equal to the task of unity and renewal of the party.

“We have not been clear on the names, but we have agreed as a collective that we will still lobby other provinces. However, at the right time, we are going to pronounce the names. Our main interest is that all five positions on the ANC Top six should be occupied by women.

Meanwhile, the political analyst at North West University, Professor Andre Duvenhage said: “I think the ANCWL in North West has a point because there is no legal decision on Phalaphala saga. What is happening is that the Phalaphala saga is not investigated soon and quickly enough.

“So, I think Ramaphosa is buying time and this might be a political strategy. However, the fact of the matter is that one needs legal prosecution before the step-aside policy can be enforced.”

Duvenhage said the ANCWL is following the same line as ANC North West chairperson, Nono Maloyi. He said this will have a positive impact on Ramaphosa’s campaign.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The world-renowned author, Mpho Sabata Mokae said he was shocked to see the Northern Cape Department of Sport, Arts and Culture allegedly violated copyright rules by photocopying his book, Moletlo Wa Manong. without consent.

Mokae, who shared his disappointments on his Facebook page said, it is a disgrace to see the Northern Cape Department of Sport, Arts and Culture violating the rights of writers, instead of advancing and promoting writing and literacy development as the custodian.

It is alleged that, the department made copies of the book, Moletlo Wa Manong for a certain book club in Jan Kempdorp that will embark on the Funda Mzanzi National Book Club competition to take place in George from 2 until 7 October 2022.

“Friends, this has been a very difficult week. In my entire blessed life of writing, I have never seen a photocopy of my book anywhere, until the Northern Cape Department of Sport, Arts and Culture photocopied my novel and that of my sister, Mohale Mashigo.

“The National Library of South Africa (NLSA) has issued a public statement (not an apology). After being dead quiet for days, the Northern Cape Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has finally invited sister Mohale and I, as well as our publishers to a meeting.

“The DSAC’s invitation possibly follows a call I received late last night on 15 September 2022 from the Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul. In a call, brother Saul understood the hurt and disappointment caused by the violation of our copyright and promised to get on to the matter this morning,” he said.

Disappointed Mokae said their meeting with the DSAC has not taken place yet, but he appreciates a gesture from the NLSA, a call from Saul. He said, he also hopes the meeting with the DSAC will have positive outcomes.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape MEC for Sport, Arts, and Culture, Desery Finies said: “On behalf of the department, we would like to take this opportunity to first and foremost apologise to both authors for the indiscretion, unbecoming and shameful act of the officials, who made copies of the books.

“It is indeed a setback for the department who are the custodians and guardians of promoting, protecting, and advancing literacy development in our province.”

Finies said the authors are both aspirant and renowned writers. She said Mokae and Mashigo remain their key partners and stakeholders in advancing and promoting social development through reading, writing, and literacy development.

“As the department, we need to emphasise that the copying of the books was not made for financial gain and there was no malicious intent to undermine the authors.

“Unfortunately, the book club has not received the original copies of the books as yet from the National Library Services, hence a copy was made of each book. A copy of the books was thus made in a reaction of over-eagerness to assist the book club, which led to the fact that oversight took preference over compliance,” she said.

Finies said they are also mindful of the fact that ignorance of the law is no excuse. She said, as the department, they do not justify the act of copying any books nor do they condone it.

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